One thing we can say for sure is if 2020 has given us anything thus far, it is stress. There is enough to be stressed about in our current climate. Most people know that stress is not good for overall health, but did you know that stress can have an effect on your oral health? Knowing how stress and oral health are connected can help you combat any problems that might arise.
The first step is figuring out if you have bad breath, and if so, how to get rid of it, which can be tricky. When we have breath that’s not quite fresh, it can be hard to detect. As time passes, you can become desensitized to the odor.
TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the jaw joint and associated muscles used in moving the jaw and neck. Similar to bruxism, stress is thought to be a contributing factor in TMD, causing jaw clenching, joint pain and headaches.
Canker Sores – No one quite knows what exactly causes canker sores, but they are sometimes brought on by stress. Although harmless, these small sores can be painful.
Dry Mouth – When the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can experience chronic dryness. Not only does dry mouth result from conditions caused by stress, but it is also a common side effect of drugs used to treat depression.
Lichen Planus – Lichen planus of the mouth is characterized by white lines, sores and ulcers in the oral cavity. Some experts believe lichen planus is a reaction to viral infections caused by stress.
Gum Disease – Studies have shown that long-term stress affects our immune systems, increasing our susceptibility to infections such as periodontal disease.
Keeping up on your oral health routine, especially when you are stressed, is essential! Continue to practice good oral hygiene, and you will protect your mouth from infection and decay.
For most people, it’s difficult to see the effects of stress on their bodies until something happens. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly, as he or she can detect the telltale signs of stress in your mouth and help you to remedy any problems.
When you’re under a lot of pressure, the last thing most people think about is their oral health. At AMG Dental Group, we want to make things easier for you by helping you to avoid any oral health issues not only when you’re stressed out, but all the time!
Learning to deal with the inevitable stresses of life in a positive way will boost your oral and overall health. However, if you do feel you are experiencing any symptoms of bruxism, TMD, or other oral health problems, call AMG Dental Group today and schedule an appointment.
AMG Dental Group is based in North Palm Beach, Florida. We proudly serve neighborhoods throughout the area, including Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, Jupiter and Lake Park.
Dr. Guerra and his staff are here for you. Let us help you maintain a healthy smile! Call us to schedule an appointment at our North Palm Beach office: 561-844-6146.
At AMG Dental Group, our dental team will provide you with the best preventive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you do develop gum disease, we can provide you with aggressive treatment options to prevent the progression of the disease and promote the best dental health for you and your family, now and in the future. Give us a call today at 561-844-6146, to schedule an appointment.
